Novo Nordisk has introduced the first oral version of its weight‑loss drug Wegovy in the United States, starting January 5, 2026, offering patients a convenient alternative to injectable treatments. The launch comes at a time of rising demand for obesity therapies and is priced significantly lower than existing injectables, triggering a price war in the U.S. market.
The oral pill is available in 1.5 mg and 4 mg doses at $149 per month, with insurance coverage potentially reducing out-of-pocket costs to $25 monthly. Higher doses, including 9 mg and 25 mg, are priced at $299 per month, while the 4 mg dose will increase to $199 in April. This pricing undercuts both Novo Nordisk’s own injectable Wegovy, which can cost over $1,000 per month, and rival products from Eli Lilly, including the injectable Zepbound and the oral candidate orforglipron, expected at roughly $346 per month.
Clinical trials indicate that patients taking the oral Wegovy experienced an average 17% reduction in body weight over 64 weeks, similar to results achieved with injectables. Novo Nordisk hopes the oral form will appeal to patients reluctant to use injections while expanding its share of the growing U.S. obesity treatment market.
The launch boosted Novo Nordisk’s shares, reflecting investor confidence that the lower-cost pill could strengthen the company’s market position. Analysts expect the new option to prompt further price competition and improve patient access, potentially reshaping the landscape of obesity drug pricing in the United States.
With this launch, Novo Nordisk is set to redefine the U.S. weight-loss drug market, offering a more convenient and affordable option to patients and intensifying competition in a sector increasingly focused on accessibility, effectiveness, and affordability.
Regulatory reviews in other countries, including the United Kingdom, are underway, and the pill may become available internationally later in 2026. Experts note that the oral Wegovy could accelerate the adoption of GLP-1 treatments, making effective obesity therapies more widely accessible while encouraging innovation among pharmaceutical competitors.
